Sound Bites

THE WORST RESTAURANT IN THE BOSTON AREA!!! SAVE YOUR MONEY!!

by djnadina

It's simple: SOUND BITES NEEDS TO GO OUT OF BUSINESS!!

I wish I could give ZERO STARS!!

The food is NOT FRESH, as confirmed by the manager. The service is reprehensible.

Here's what I had:

Corn beef hash - it tasted like a SALT BOMB. I asked if it was normally so salty and the response was a resounding YES. Rather than take responsibility for giving customers food that is over-salted, the manager told me it's the beef vendor's fault. Since the food was not edible I asked for something else. I chose the "real crab meat" eggs benedict.

The "real (OUT OF A CAN) crab meat" eggs benedict made the disgusting corn beef hash taste good. The crab was almost as mushy as my grilled mashed potato. The tomatoes on the eggs benny were not very fresh. The grilled mash was cold on the outside, warm on the inside. I have every reason to believe this was pre-made and left under a heat lamp. The poached egg was the worst part of this dish. How can something be worse than the mushy, from a can, crab meat? The poached eggs were practically hard boiled. They tried to cover it up with the gross hollandaise sauce. I can't believe the chef would allow such a disaster on a plate to leave his/her kitchen. What a mess!!!

My friend ordered the Royale Breakfast with an egg white, mushroom and cheese scramble, bacon, and french toast. The cheese on the scramble wasn't melted properly. It was more like an afterthought. The flavor was bland. The french toast was not fresh. It was not even warm enough to melt the butter that was placed on it. We think it may have come out of the microwave, but are not sure. Also, they never once made an effort to take a drink order from my friend.

***If the food portion of this review doesn't keep you away from Sound Bites, then maybe the service aspect will.***

The restaurant is lucky to be busy because of the local college students that are constantly pouring in and out of there. The food is cheap enough so that you don't feel like you wasted A LOT of money. So if it's bad, you will probably just suck it up.

I was asked how my meal was and I expressed my displeasure each time. Each time my opinion fell on deaf ears. The manager was like The TEFLON DON. He listened, but gave an excuse for everything that was wrong with the meal and service. The beef is salty due to the supplier. The crab meat is mushy due to coming out of a can. The eggs were poached before they came out of the kitchen. BLAH BLAH BLAH... Everything was associated with an excuse and the manager didn't care if we liked it or not.

Sadly, the manager's opinion (after having worked there for "over 15 years") is that they are busy and if someone doesn't like something he can give them something else.

I wouldn't eat here if every meal was free for the rest of my life!!

Ball Square Cafe or Neighborhood Cafe are well worth your money and are very close by.

Do yourself a favor: AVOID SOUND BITES AT ALL COSTS!!!

********

FROM THE OWNER OF SOUND BITES (after I posted this review on Yelp):

"lets call it two strikes and we're OUT !

we had a lot of fun with this after you left," - yasser m.

He has emailed me numerous times with nothing but insults and bullying tactics. What a shame! Shame on you Yasser!!!

Breakfast done right.

by missdiogenes

Yes there is a line. Yes Yasser is abrupt. And yes, you won't find too many better breakfast joints around. The omlettes are fluffy, filled with flavorful fresh ingredients and not sitting in a pool of butter/grease. The fruit plate is the best around - papaya and mango anyone? The pancakes are puffy, not dense rocks and served -go figure- hot! The menu is filled with plenty of selections that are both unusual and familiar, making it tough to make a choice. There is a nice use of spice here that is sorely lacking in a lot of breakfast places and the homefries... well you might call them crackfries. You WILL get a craving for them. Yes Yasser is caustic and abrasive, but at least he has a personality and is honest about who he is and his business. Let's face it folks... it's breakfast. Turn and burn. If you are looking for a leisurely time, go have brunch somewhere. Having been in the business for years, breakfast is expected to be quick and painless, which this is. It's a huge bonus that the food is so good. Sidenote: Do I want to go to a restaurant next door that offers the same menu? No. I support the guy that has the creativity to open and operate a business and build loyal clientelle. Copying a menu is not building a business, it is a sign of laziness and lack of originality. I know many people who would give their left arm to open a restaurant and cook food near and dear to their heart. I'll go to that guy.

• Pros: Fantastic food
• Cons: Parking

Best Margaritas, food, service

by KH797

I've been going to Sound Bites with a group of friends for the last few years. We have always been welcomed and treated as warmly as a new face walking through the door. The owner is very polite and really makes sure customers leave happy. There can be a long wait but I heard that they are opening for breakfast full time. I'm really looking forward to it! The tvs also make it a great bar to sit down at and enjoy the game. Definitely a place to put on your local hang out list!

• Pros: Food, service, TVs, menu, price, drinks
• Cons: Parking

This Place doesn't just bite, it stinks!!!!

by DrewRugger9

First let's start off with the long wait, getting fake smiles from the staff, and then the rushed service (if you even want to call it service). Food is bland and nothing really wows your taste buds especially for the price and the indigestion you get stemming from the constant badgering from the manager to eat your food and leave immediately. That guy is so rude that I've even seen him tell customers to put their coffees from Truegrounds (really good coffee shop just across the street) on the floor while ridiculing them for offending him by not buying his watered down and flavorless coffee. Not the type of establishment that I have promised myself not to continue to do business. Instead, take a few steps and go over to Ball Square Cafe where there is rarely a wait and isn't stuffy, cold (the door in Soundbites constantly brings in cold air), rude, and where you are NOT given poor service. You will actually be able to enjoy your meal at a great price nor get overcharged like the owner from Soundbites did to my girlfriend and I one day. Everything is great from the corned beef hash (loads of corned beef and onions- not too many potatoes) to the omelettes (try the steak and cheese, its to die for!) and even brunch/lunch items like their burgers are juicy and HUGE! The service is amazing and even though the owner, Mike, is a chatterbox he is genuine and very welcoming. Comforting food at a great price- can't beat it but if I can tell you in all honesty- DO NOT EAT AT SOUNDBITES: SAVE YOUR MONEY AND GO TO BALL SQUARE CAFE INSTEAD!

• Pros: NOTHING
• Cons: Everything- go to BALL SQUARE CAFE instead.

Worst Place Ever

by Matches654

The first thing i ever heard upon moving to Somerville was to try this "fantastic" brunch place. But let me tell you, there is not one thing good about this place. The staff is horrible, and i have worked in the restaurant business my whole life. I don't understand how this place stays afloat. But if you like over-cooked eggs, undercooked waffles, being overcharged for coffees (the owner purposely charges tabs for 4 coffees instead of two), waiting on line for hours with Tufts kids, and being treated like a dog than this is the place for you!

• Pros: nothing
• Cons: everything